Meet Lisa Vanderpump
article from http://www.seanborggoesla.com
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills launched here in America last night, and I for one was glued to the telly.
I love Kim and Kyle Richards, but I couldn’t ignore the British contingent on show. Step for forward Lisa Vanderpump, it’s your time to shine!
Born and raised in London, to some Lisa’s been around forever, I remember her from the Shadow Lounge days back in London’s West End not so long ago… Lisa was one of the owners, and the place was one of the more prestigious gay clubs in town, and any gay, who was any gay, went there!
Uber chic VanderPump, a former actress (aren’t they all) has gone a bit more up market these days, she now owns several restaurants in Los Angeles with hubby Kenneth Todd, two of which I frequent often, Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills, and one of my favorites, Sur in West Hollywood.
She says her life has changed much over the last two years since her kids left home, but she still likes to keep her life busy. At least she has Ken, her houseboy Cedric Martinez (he’s gay), and Gigolo, or Giggy as she calls him (he’s her pet Pomeranian, even ‘Giggy’ has his own website!)
For me, the funniest part in the season premiere of this non-scripted ‘Dynasty-style’ reality show was when the gang of girls boarded a private jet, as it took off they clinked their champagne glasses to celebrate, um… togetherness (amidst the bitching), then Kyle came out with the most outrageous of comments, saying: “Here’s to hoping my boob doesn’t fall out!” Lisa’s quick witted and hysterical response was: “Here’s to the exact opposite!” Ah… See, spoken like a true Brit, and how very camp of her. You’ve got to love this woman, if only for that comment alone!
Witty ‘Brit-chick’ Lisa is my kind of lady (so is Kyle actually), and just as she says, “If you can play the game, there’s no better place to live it than in Beverly Hills!” And I couldn’t agree with you more Lisa… So er, when are we going out for drink, eh love?!
I think Bravo have struck gold with this particular installment in The Real Housewives series’, it’s stellar TV … I can hardly wait till next weeks episode!
Expect Naughty Bling
New Jersey, Atlanta, New York, O.C., D.C…. and now, Beverly Hills! On October 14, ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ will bring another group of feisty woman to the small screen. And the big question is: what should we expect from this new group of ladies?
PopEater asked new cast member Lisa Vanderpump to sum it up in one word. “Bling,” she replies with a smile. “Naughty bling.”
That’s actually two words. But when you’re as rich as she is, you’re allowed an extra word. And truth be told, Vanderpump says the bling-factor will push the show in the world’s most desirable zip code to a whole new level.
“Beverly Hills won’t disappoint. There’s a different level of lifestyle and sophistication here. No doubt about it,” Vanderpump, who owns hip eateries Villa Blanca and Sur, says.
“Some of the houses [on display] are amazing. These are places people would normally never see inside,” she says. “Normally these women are so private. It was actually sort of surprising to see the quality of women willing to open their lives and homes up.”
In addition to Vanderpump, the cast will be rounded out by Kim and Kyle Richards (Paris Hilton’s aunts), Adrienne Maloof-Nassif, Camille Grammar and Taylor Armstrong.
Despite the Faberge exterior, which makes the marbled mansions from their sister New Jersey show look like starter homes, Vanderpump says there is a whole lot of dirt to uncover. “It shows you, that all that glitters is not gold,” she warns. “It just shows that even if you live in a fabulous house you have your own stresses, you have your own problems.”
“Just because your house is big doesn’t mean you don’t have your own emotional issues.” And then some.
She cites fellow cast mate Camille Grammar–who filed for divorce from Kelsey Grammar in July–as a prime example of the 90210 duality. “You can see that in Camille Grammar. Doesn’t matter how many houses you have, if suddenly your husband is suddenly with some bimbo in New York, it doesn’t matter how big your house is.”
“Sorry, I’m being honest,” Vanderpump adds.
We’re guessing that unique brand of honesty may cause some drama on the show. “I can be the baddie. I have a little of everything in me,” she says. And the fireworks will start before you know it. I thought it would be pretty tame for the first season. But we go pretty quick out of the starting gate!”
‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ premieres October 14 on Bravo at 10/9c.
Andy Cohen talks RHOBH ON AIR with Ryan Seacrest
Andy Cohen & Ryan Seacrest discuss Lisa Vanderpump & The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
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Discovering the Best Beverly Hills has to Offer
We are heading towards a glorious summer in California. I always search for unique and individual local vendors – the quintessential store. I have found it in the heavenly store of Madame Chocolat on Canon Drive in downtown Beverly Hills.
Chocolate Bliss
When you enter Madame Chocolat, you have the sense of being somewhere really special. The décor is cool greens with touches of antique gold and cream. There is an immense crystal chandelier dripping from the ceiling. Owner, Hasty Torres, is a gorgeous woman who makes you feel very welcome. Chocolate is her life, and she wants to share it with you.
For the holidays this year, Hasty designed a three-foot chocolate rabbit that is a feast for the eyes. The attention to detail was astonishing. Ms. Torres beautiful adorned the sweet bunny with springtime-sugared flowers and oodles of ribbons – a big hit at the Easter Brunch.
For my special occasion Madam Chocolat is custom-making a pink pair of Louboutin stilettos shoes in solid chocolate with “Love Pinky” inscribed in frosting. Ms. Torres always has a selection of life-sized shoes. The stunning (and sweet) stilettos are one of the most impressive hostess gifts you could ever choose.
I first discovered Madame Chocolat when I received a heart-shaped Mahogany box of chocolates as a thank-you gift. This pretty box doubled as a jewelry case after savoring the dark chocolates it encased. Do yourself a favor and visit Madam Chocolat, the premiere chocolatier for Beverly Hills.
Full Service Valet
Another goodie recently discovered while lunching at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel is getting your car detailed for $200 or hand-washed for $30. And in the time it takes to refresh your car you can treat yourself to a two-hour spa treatment followed by a lovely lunch with a friend.
Lingerie Luxury
After living in France for many years with a lingerie boutique on almost every corner (the French just do that so well), I was disappointed on a recent search for beautiful undies in local department stores. There’s just not much happening.
The big stores on Wilshire Boulevard were full of beige prosthetic bras that my husband detests. There was little selection of elegant lingerie, but then I discovered Luxe Lingerie on Camden Drive.
Luxe has an overwhelming array of gorgeous European underwear. It’s hard to say no. I wanted one of everything. They feature an abundance of bra and panty sets, bridal gifts, and naughty little numbers that I have not seen anywhere else. Luxe’s prices are reasonable, and I left this wonderful boutique blushing with a powder puff pink bra and matching knickers.
Beverly Hills According to Pinky
I moved to Beverly Hills five years ago, and still, when I hop into my Bentley convertible with the roof down and cruise along the palm tree-lined streets, I vow to never take this for granted. I just love the way life flows here so easily … valet parking (if you give your keys to somebody in London, you’re pretty much guaranteed not to see them again!), shops that aren’t packed with frantic people, and weather that generally stays on automatic.
Today I am going to have a facial with one of the best-kept secrets in B everly Hills, Kathleen Boniface (with a name like that you just have to be a facialist). Every four weeks I get her signature treatment, which consists of a silk peel and a dermal infusion that revitalizes my skin with all kinds of collagen stimulating goodies. I love it – my skin is plumped, glowing and smooth as a baby’s butt. I don’t know what she slaps on there, but it works miracles. She has a faithful following, so be sure to book her in advance.
When I told everybody that I was moving back to Beverly Hills, they said, “Beverly Hills? That’s not reality!” I replied, “I tried reality – and it’s not so good!”
After my facial I do a quick make-up fix and pop into Villa Blanca, my restaurant, for a quick lunch with my girlfriend. The lunch scene there is always very lively, and as the owner, I adore greeting and catching up with the regulars. I spy Janet Jackson and Tyra Banks in a corner, so I grab the table next to them and shamelessly try to eavesdrop on their conversation. Alas, it’s a fruitless task as the hum of noise makes it impossible – might have to study lip reading for the future.
Tonight I’m having a small dinner in my wine cellar for some visiting friends from London. I want to create a homey, cozy dinner, so I’m off to the cheese store on Beverly Drive to get ingredients for a rustic pasta. When I was little I visited the cheese shop in London, and I couldn’t wait to get away from the smell of old socks. I must have grown up, because now, as I enter and the aroma wafts over me, I feel like I’ve been transported back to the south of France where I lived for five years. Beverly Hills is so special because of its many unique shops that almost feel like a little village. And you can always taste everything before you buy – a dying tradition.
Simply Fabulous
If you want to know how to live a fabulous and luxurious life, there is one extraordinary and beautiful woman who has all the answers – Lisa Vanderpump.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Vanderpump made her mark in her more recent home of Beverly Hills. Lisa and her husband own 20 up-scale restaurants and bars in London, all of which were designed entirely by Vanderpump herself.
Her latest endeavor is the beautiful and lavish Villa Blanca restaurant located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Villa Blanca, also designed by Lisa, welcomes comfort, style, gorgeous art and creative music that brings a new level of entertainment and class to the dining experience.
We are proud to have Lisa as a contributor to Beverly Hills Lifestyle, and we know she will provide great insight on how to live a stylish, luxurious and fabulous life.